Whitehead: My fight to stay No 1

Phil Whitehead returns to action for Reading's friendly against Charlton Athletic at Madejski Stadium tonight (8pm), insisting that his deputy Jamie Ashdown has "always been knocking on the door" of the first team.

The young Royals goalkeeper has been in excellent form over the pre-season, keeping four clean sheets in four games.

But 21-year-old Ashdown, who spent the end of last season on loan at Double winners Arsenal, faces the prospect of starting the season on the bench behind regular stopper Whitehead, despite rumours linking him to a loan move.

Whitehead, though, is under no illusion about the competition he faces.

The former Oxford goalkeeper said: "Jamie has always been knocking on the door. He is a good keeper.

"Of course he is not going to be happy not playing for the first team."

Whitehead missed Royals tour of Germany due to a funeral and saw Ashdown take his chance well with two good performances, including a fine penalty save in a goalless draw with SSV Reutlingen.

However, manager Alan Pardew confirmed that Whitehead remains his first choice.

Royals boss said: "Jamie has done very well but Phil is still No. 1."

Whitehead was scheduled to return to action in a friendly at Chesham on Wednesday night but the game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

And Whitehead admits he is looking forward to playing again.

He said: "The first few weeks of pre-season are just about training, then you have a few smaller games but games like Charlton and West Ham are a much bigger test."

Royals last faced Charlton two years ago just after the Addicks had been promoted to the Premiership.